PRETORIA – The Blue Bulls will be looking to build on a good start to their Currie Cup campaign when they face off against the Sharks in Durban tomorrow.
Having recorded an unlikely bonus point victory against the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein last week, the men in blue will be seeking to solidify their second spot on the log.
Even though they were handed one of the toughest draws in the competition with two away games to start their campaign, the Bulls will know that two wins will be a major boost for their title aspirations in a competition that has been cut in half.
Blue Bulls captain Hanro Liebenberg says their win in Bloemfontein will be meaningless if they don’t back it up with an equally good performance tomorrow.
“We have a tough opening spell in the Currie Cup with away games in Bloemfontein and Durban to start with. We did well in Bloemfontein and that was good for the confidence, but if we don’t pitch up in Durban, it could be a step back again. So we are pretty determined to apply ourselves and continue with the good work done against the Free State Cheetahs.”
Johnny Kotze of the Bulls and Benhard Janse van Rensburg and William Small-Smith (Cheetahs) in action at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. Photo: Frikkie Kapp/BackpagePix
And the Bulls will fancy their chances in Durban, especially with Springbok centre Jesse Kriel in the starting line-up in place of JT Jackson while the forwards have been boosted by the experience of Hendre Stassen who comes in for the injured Ruben van Heerden.
Bulls coach Pote Human admits that Kriel’s inclusion in the side will add to the confidence in the side but that it will take a team effort to overcome the Sharks in their own backyard.
Human has also made other changes with hooker Jaco Visagie starting ahead of Edgar Marutlulle who drops to the bench while the much vaunted young lock Eli Snyman will also start from the bench after returning from injury.
Young scrumhalf Reagan Oranje is likely to make his Currie Cup debut from the bench as he replaces Theo Maree with Andre Warner to continue as the starting No 9.
“Of course it is great to have Jesse back in the team. He is a world class player and we welcome him back with a smile on our faces,” said Human.
“But this remains a team game and a team effort is needed.”